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South America is a continent of colorful cultural diversity and stunning extremes of geography. While most travelers return home with good memories, safety issues can taint an otherwise positive experience. There is certainly no need for paranoia in South America, but you should be mindful of the potential risks.

Theft

Theft can be a big problem in South America, especially in Colombia, Peru and parts of Brazil, says Lonely Planet's "South America on a Shoestring." Always keep a close eye on your belongings. Snatch theft is a favorite tactic among thieves. Avoid placing items such as cameras on restaurant tables while you eat. If you place your bag or backpack at your feet, loop one strap around your leg. Pickpockets also prey upon travelers, normally in crowded streets. Carry only small amounts of money and place notes and documents in a front pocket or in a money belt.

Transport

Bus travel is the main form of overland public transport in South America. According to the University of Michigan International Center, buses are often the safest and most comfortable way of traveling from country to country, provided you select a reputable company. Budget buses are often devoid of safety features, prone to breakdowns and pick up passengers at random from the side of the road. Taxis also pose a safety risk. Always select modern, licensed taxis and avoid unmarked vehicles that claim to be taxis.

Food and Drink

There are very few locations in Latin America where you can drink the tap water, notes the University of Michigan. Stick with bottled water and think twice before drinking fruit juices and other beverages, especially those containing ice, from street side vendors. Food preparation standards are also low in many cheap to mid-range South American establishments. If a restaurant looks dirty, it is often a reflection of poor overall hygiene standards. Be especially careful with undercooked meat.

Natural Hazards

Parts of South America are prone to landslides and floods, particularly during their regional rainy seasons. It is easier and safer to travel during the dry season. The aftermath of a natural disaster is often as risky as the event itself. Keeping up with the latest news while you travel helps you avoid areas of potential or confirmed natural disasters.

Illegal Drugs

Colombia, Peru and Bolivia are major cocaine producers. Illegal drugs are also common in Brazil. You should avoid all contact with drugs, including marihuana. Drug possession penalties are severe in South America, and police officials rarely show any leniency towards tourists.

Vaccinations

Find out what vaccinations you need before you travel. The yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into a number of South American nations. Malaria poses a threat in some regions, particularly in the Amazon basin. While not a legal requirement for travel, you should take a course of malaria tablets if you are entering a recognized malaria hotspot. Rabies is also present in South America, but not all travelers need a pre-exposure vaccination. Veterinarians, animal handlers, spelunkers and certain laboratory workers should consider the vaccine, says the Third World Traveler website.

Political Violence

Politically motivated violence is an issue in South America. Protests and demonstrations, while normally peaceful, at times erupt into violence. In such circumstances, get out of the street and head back to your hotel. Terrorist organizations also engage in acts of political violence. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) poses a significant threat in Colombia, especially in regards to kidnapping. FARC terrorists do not normally target tourists. However, the Travel.State.Gov website advises that no one is immune from kidnapping based on occupation, nationality, or other factors. The website also highlights two bombing incidents in August and October 2010 and an increased overall threat of terrorist activity in Bogota. Again, keeping up with the latest news will help you avoid potentially problematic areas in South America.

Resources

About the Author

Anthony Grahame has been a writer for more than 15 years. He began writing professionally online in 2008. He has a degree in English literature from the University of Sussex and is an experienced traveler and travel writer. His work has been published on a variety of well respected websites including "Living in Peru".

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